ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
President approves Tatrakshak Medals to six Indian Coast Guard personnel
The President has awarded President’s Tatrakshak Medal  and Tatrakshak Medal  to the following Indian Coast Guard Personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished/meritorious service on the occasion of the Republic Day 2023:
President’s Tatrakshak Medal 
- IG Anand Prakash Badola, TM 
Tatrakshak Medal 
- ComdtDurgesh Chandra Tiwari 
- Rishi, P/Nvk, 12196-T
- Mohit Kumar Yadav, U/Nvk , 13830-M
Tatrakshak Medal 
- DIG HimanshuNautiyal 
- Sant Lal, P/Adh, 01566-P
These awards are being given to the personnel of Indian Coast Guard on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day every year, since January 26, 1990.
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari launches first-ever ‘Surety Bond Insurance’ for infrastructure projects
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari launched one of India’s first-ever Surety Bond Insurance product from Bajaj Allianz.
Commenting on the product launch, Shri Gadkari said “India is well on its path to becoming a $ 5 Trillion economy and achieving the dream of our honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji; insurance will play an important role in this growth. To realize Modi Ji’s dream, it is important that infrastructure projects are executed at a faster speed; infrastructure, and notably roads, are vital to the economic and social growth of our country. With this new instrument of Surety Bonds, the availability of both liquidity and capacity will definitely be boosted; such products stand to strengthen the sector. We are confident that expanding our road network will lead to more prosperity, increased employment opportunities, and increased social connectivity. Surety Bond Insurance is the right step in this direction, I am glad to see that Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has taken the great initiative by launching this important product.”
Surety Bond Insurance will act as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects and will insulate the contractor as well as the principal. The product will cater to the requirements of a diversified group of contractors, many of whom are operating in today’s increasingly volatile environment. The Surety Bond Insurance is a risk transfer tool for the Principal and shields the Principal from the losses that may arise in case the contractor fails to perform their contractual obligation. The product gives the principal a contract of guarantee that contractual terms and other business deals will be concluded in accordance with the mutually agreed terms. In case the contractor doesn’t fulfil the contractual terms, the Principal can raise a claim on the surety bond and recover the losses they have incurred. Unlike a bank guarantee, the Surety Bond Insurance does not require large collateral from the contractor thus freeing up significant funds for the contractor, which they can utilize for the growth of the business. The product will also help in reducing the contractors’ debts to a large extent thus addressing their financial worries. The product will facilitate the growth of upcoming infrastructure projects in the country.
Ministry of Power
NHPC signs MoU with Power Ministry detailing targets for the year 2020-21
Generation target under Excellent rating has been set as 27500 MUs as against last year target of 26000 MUs
Capex target , targets regarding Trade Receivables are also part of MOU signed today
Milestones in respect of restoration of Unit #1 & Unit #2 of Chamera-II Power Station and Assets Monetization parameters have also been included in the MOU
NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower utility and a Scheduled ‘A’ Mini Ratna Enterprise of the Government of India has signed Memorandum of Understanding  on 29.09.2020with Ministry of Power, Government of India for the year 2020-21. The MOU was signed by Shri SanjivNandanSahai, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India and Shri A.K.Singh, CMD, NHPC in the presence of senior officers from MOP and NHPC.
Shri SanjivNandanSahai, Secretary , Govt. of India and Shri A.K. Singh, CMD, NHPC signed Memorandum of Understanding  between Ministry of Power, Government of Indiaand NHPC for the year 2020-21 at New Delhi. Shri TanmayKumar, Joint Secretary , Ministry of Power, Shri Y.K. Chaubey, Director , NHPC and Shri Harish Kumar, Executive Director, NHPC were also present on the occasion.
In the signed MOU for NHPC, generation target under Excellent rating has been set as 27500 MUs as against last year target of 26000MUs. Excellent Targets for Revenue from Operations  has been kept asRs. 8900 crore, Operating Profit as a percentage of Revenue from Operations  has been kept as 38.00% and PAT/ Average Net Worth has been kept as 10.50 %.
Further, Capex target to ensure optimum utilization of budget, targets regarding Trade Receivables, Reduction in claims against the company not acknowledged as debt over previous year on overall basis and Percentage of Procurement of goods and service through GeM portal to total procurement of goods and services during the previous year etc. have been included in the MOU.
In addition, milestones in respect of restoration of Unit #1 & Unit #2 of Chamera-II Power Station and Assets Monetization parameters have also been included in the MOU.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Constitution of Farmer Producer Organizations
The Government of India has launched the Central Sector Scheme for “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations ” in the year 2020 with a total budgetary outlay of Rs.6865 Crores which will enable farmers to enhance their bargaining power, leverage economies of scale, reduction in cost of production and enhancing farmers’ incomes through aggregation of their agricultural produce, thus playing a major role towards sustainable incomes.Under the said scheme, FPOs being provided financial assistance upto Rs.18.00 lakh per FPO for a period of 03 years. In addition to this, provision has been made for matching equity grant upto Rs.2,000 per farmer member of FPO with a limit of Rs.15.00 lakh per FPO and a credit guarantee facility upto Rs.2 crore of project loan per FPO from eligible lending institution to ensure institutional credit accessibility to FPOs. Further, Rs.25 Lakhs are given to CBBOs for hand holding each FPO over a period of five years.
Considering the significance and strategic role of the State Government and its machinery down the line in synergizing the efforts in mobilizing the farmers, offering various services relating to production and post-production and also periodically reviewing the development and functioning of FPOs, the Government has made provisions in Operational Guidelines of the 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations  scheme wherein a State Level Consultative Committee called SLCC is constituted with Additional Chief Secretary/Secretary, In-charge of Agriculture/ Agriculture Marketing as its Chairperson.
In addition to above, under 10,000 FPOs scheme, at district level, a District Level Monitoring Committee  is constituted under the Chairmanship of District Collector/ CEO/ Zilla Parishad with representatives of different line departments and experts which provides approval for potential produce clusters in the block and also responsible for overall coordination, monitoring and implementation of the scheme at the district level. Provisions have also been made in Government of India schemes for availing benefits by FPOs.
As on 30th June, 2023, 10,000 FPOs have been allocated to various Implementing Agencies  out of which 6319 FPOs have been registered across the country.
FPOs started business transactions, the details of work carried by FPOs are as follows:
- Supply of quality inputs like seed, fertilizer, pesticides, etc;
- Undertaking aggregation of farmer-members’ agri produce for marketing/selling.;
- Making available machinery and equipment on custom hiring basis for members;
- Undertaking value addition like cleaning, assaying, sorting, grading and processing of agri produce.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Expansion and Increase in Capacity of MSMEs
The Government of India has announced Fund of Funds with the nomenclature Self Reliant India  Fund to infuse Rs. 50,000 crore as equity funding in those MSMEs which have the potential and viability to grow and become large units. Under this scheme total size of fund of Rs. 50,000 Crore has a provision of Rs.10,000 Crore from Government of India and Rs.40,000 Crore leverage through Private Equity / Venture Capital funds.The guidelines of the fund have been issued. This initiative is aimed at providing growth capital to the deserving and eligible units of MSME sector.
This information was given by Minister for Micro. Small and Medium Enterprises Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Education
Investments in research infrastructure in premier educational institutions to be stepped up considerably through RISE
The Government has announced to step up investments in general and research infrastructure in premier educational institutions, including health institutions, by launching a major initiative named ‘‘Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Education  by 2022’’ with a planned total investment of Rs. 1,00,000 crore in next four years. Higher Education Financing Agency  would be suitably structured for funding this initiative.
In addition to Government equity, HEFA would leverage funds from the market to service the requirements of the Centrally Funded Institutions .
The different areas where resources would include providing World Class infrastructure for teaching in the CFIs, building robust research eco system, providing linkages between Labs, building high-end Labs to support high-end research, completion of construction of  new institutions started since 2014 and providing for infrastructure of the institutions that are expected to be opened in accordance with the requirements of the growing economy.
There would be different windows of financing based on the internal revenues of the institutions, as envisaged in the scheme to be approved.
This information was given by the Minister of State , Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
198.33 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,19,457
Active cases stand at 0.27%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.52%
14,650 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,29,21,977
18,930 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
86.53 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,38,005 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Shri Bhagwanth Khuba takes charge as Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers
Shri Bhagwanth Khuba took over as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers here today. The Minister was welcomed by Secretaries and senior officials of the Ministry.
In addition to Chemicals and Fertilisers, he has also been assigned the portfolio of Minister of State in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Arrest Under Anti-Terror Laws
The National Crime Records Bureau  compiles data on crime as reported to it by States and Union Territories and publishes the same in its annual publication ‘Crime in India’. The published reports are available till the year 2019. As per the published reports, the number of cases registered, persons arrested, cases chargesheeted and sent for trial and the number of cases where chargesheet was filed after duration of one year under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act  from the year 2017 to the year 2019 is as given below:
|
|
Year
|
|
No. of Cases Registered
|
|
No. of Persons Arrested
|
|
No. of Cases Charge-sheeted and Sent for Trial
|
|
No. of cases where Charge-sheet filed after duration of more than one year
|
|
2017
|
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901
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1554
|
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272
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123
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2018
|
|
1182
|
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1421
|
|
317
|
|
62
|
|
2019
|
|
1226
|
|
1948
|
|
485
|
|
157
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
IAF and FASF Chiefs fly as part of Ex Garuda VII
The ongoing Ex Garuda VII between Indian Air Force  and French Air and Space Force  witnessed combined flying by Chief of the Air Staff  of IAF, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, and Chief of the Air Staff of FASF, General Stéphane Mille today. While CAS flew a sortie in an IAF Rafale fighter, the FASF Chief flew in an IAF Su-30MKI fighter. Both participated in the exercise as part of a combined training mission which was flown from Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Speaking to the media later, along with the FASF Chief, CAS brought out that Ex Garuda provides the unique opportunity for both Air Forces to learn and imbibe best practices of each other during operations. He also highlighted the growing interoperability between both air forces, which has been developing with each successive edition of the exercise, a regular bilateral exercise since 2003.
Ex Garuda VII is also the first occasion for the LCA Tejas and the recently inducted LCH Prachand to participate in any international exercise. The exercise, which is due to culminate on 12 November 22, includes four FASF Rafale fighters and one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport  aircraft. Apart from the LCA and LCH, the IAF contingent consists of Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as Mi-17 helicopters. The IAF contingent also includes Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS, AEW&C and Garud Special Forces.
Ministry of Railways
RAILWAY MINISTER FULFIILS THE DEMAND AND SANCTIONS A FUND OF Rs. 14.7 CRORES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SUBWAY NEAR NIDHIPANDA BRIDGE, BALASORE
Sri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Railways visited Balasore on 21st June, 2023. There, he met the villagers who had a long pending demand for construction of a subway near Nidhipanda Bridge . The Railway Minister discussed the issue with local villagers and assured them to resolve the matter. The ‘Designing team’ of Railway has immediately prepared the design for Subway which was approved by the competent authority. A fund of Rs. 14.7 crores has been sanctioned by the Railway Board for construction of Subway near Nidhipanda Bridge of Balasore.
Nidhipanda bridge is an important bridge in Haldipada-Balasore section of Kharagpur – Bhadrak section. One of the spans of this bridge is being used by local people for commuting of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The area gets water logged during monsoon and the crossing under the bridge becomes unapproachable cutting connectivity to villages. In light of these issues, after Hon’ble Minister for Railways instructions a survey was immediately conducted for provision of alternate, safe arrangement for vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians. A scheme was prepared whereby a subway of size 5m  X 5m  has been proposed at the approach of the bridge at Kharagpur end. This subway will be used for passing of all kinds of vehicles including heavy vehicles. The construction work will commence soon and will fulfill the demand of local people.Additionally, keeping in mind that the area is prone to waterlogging during monsoon, a second subway is proposed having dimensions of 4mX 2.7m which is about 1.6m above the bed level of the bridge and will act as an all- weather road even in times of heavy water discharges.
With the intervention and close monitoring of Hon’ble Minister for Railways, the project and fund of Rs 14.7 crores was sanctioned immediately and work will also be executed on priority.
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Ministry of Coal
Ongoing Activities of Coal Ministry Under Special Campaign 2.0
Organizes Blood Donation Camp
The Ministry of Coal is actively undertaking Special Campaign 2.0 from 2nd October 2022 to 31st October 2022. During this campaign, special attention is being given to field/outstation offices in addition to the Ministries/Departments for monitoring and implementation of the campaign.
Cleanliness drive is being carried out the coal fields across the country. More than 1949224 sq. ft. space has been cleaned till date under special campaign initiatives and 3644.34MT of scrap has been disposed of generating a revenue of Rs. 18.546 crore. The space freed up from scrap and waste disposal is being used for various purposes like additional parking space, office sitting arrangements, storage, wider passages , horticultural activities , beautification etc.
This campaign is not only creating a lot of enthusiasum in offices and colonies but positively impacting the work culture of the staff members.
A Blood Donation Camp was organised by the Ministry of Coal at Shastri Bhawan on 28.10.2022 and good number of employees have come forward to donate blood.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Delegation of Group ‘B’  officers’ Association of Survey of India under Department of Science & Technology meets MoS Dr Jitendra Singh
A delegation of Association of Group ‘B’  officers of Survey of India under Department of Science & Technology, met the Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region , Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today. The delegation was led by its General Secretary, Shri Umesh Mishra.
The Association presented a memorandum to the Minister regarding the delay in promotion of Officer Surveyors to the post of Superintending Surveyors. The Association informed that a large number of Superintending Surveyors’ posts are vacant. They added that 125 posts of Superintending Surveyor posts out of sanctioned 160 posts  are vacant as per Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service Rules, 1989. About 200 officer Surveyors have completed their eligibility of 8 years and are waiting for their next promotion for the last 12-15 years. The Department of Science & Technology has already taken up this matter with DoPT for obtaining one time relaxation in Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service Rules, 1989 for promoting Officer Surveyors to the post of superintending Surveyors.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that it is the priority of the DoPT to ensure timely promotions of officers and to address their issues in order to avoid unnecessary delays in promotions. He assured the Association that he will take up the issue with concerned DoPT officials and expedite the matter as per the rules.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Importance of nature and culture-based solutions for biodiversity conservation discussed on International Day of Biological Diversity
Experts from different parts of India discussed the importance and different aspects of biodiversity conservation, its relationship with technology and sustainable development at a programme organised on the occasion of International Day of Biological Diversity.
Dr. Ramesh Krishnamurthy, a renowned Scientist from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, emphasised the importance of nature and culture-based solutions for biodiversity conservation in his talk titled ‘Biodiversity and Technology: Towards integrated nature-culture solutions’ at the programme organised by BioNest-IASST, along with Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology , Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology .
Director of IASST Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee stressed that biodiversity gives the answer to several sustainable development challenges, and we should give our best efforts to save and conserve the biodiversity from extinction. He was speaking on the International Day of Biological Diversity at the online programme organised as part of the celebrations of the 75th year of India’s independence: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava on May 22, 2021. He also mentioned that Bio-Diversity & Eco-System is one of the thrust areas of research at IASST and highlighted the different biodiversity-related ongoing research projects in this institute.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including faculty members, staff, and research scholars of the Institute via an online digital platform following the Covid-19 protocol. Scientists like Dr Tania Das Paul from BioNest  Facility and Dr Debasish Chowdhury took part in the programme. Some important resolutions pertaining to augmentation and strengthening the research on conservation and exploration of biodiversity were also taken.
The International Day for Biological Diversity is a United Nations-sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues held on May 22 annually which falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
KVIC Set up Odisha’s First Silk Yarn Production Centre to Boost Local Silk Industry & Create Employment
For hundreds of years, Odisha has been known for its exquisite Silk, particularly the Tussar variety, which provides livelihood to thousands of tribal people, particularly women. But the Silk weavers in the state were totally dependent on states like West Bengal, Jharkhand and Karnataka for the Silk yarn, which increased the cost of the Silk fabric.
However, Khadi and Village Industries Commission  has taken a historic initiative to set up Odisha’s first ever Tussar Silk Yarn Production Centre at Choudwar in Cuttack district. This silk yarn production centre will ensure local availability of Tussar Silk yarn, create local employment and reduce the silk production cost. Tussar silk is one of the finest varieties of Silk that is distinguished by its coarseness and porous weave that give it a rugged and rustic appearance. The silk yarn production centre was inaugurated by KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday.
The development assumes great significance as Silk comprises nearly 75% of the total Khadi fabric production in Odisha. This silk yarn production centre will create direct employment for 50 artisans including 34 women, besides providing livelihood support to over 300 tribal farmers engaged in cocoon farming. This will also create indirect employment for weavers and reelers in the state. Every kilo of raw silk produced, creates employment for 11 artisans out of which 6 are women.
“Silk is the timeless heritage of India which is integral to our culture and tradition. It is also a key component of the Indian textile industry, particularly Khadi. With commissioning of this silk yarn production centre, Silk yarn will be produced locally and thus reducing the cost of Silk production. This will give a major boost to the sale of the famous Tussar Silk of Odisha and strengthen the traditional craft of Silk,” Saxena said.
Set up at a cost of Rs 75 lakh, the silk yarn production centre is capable of producing 200 KG of silk yarn worth Rs 94 lakh annually. The production capacity of this unit will be gradually increased to meet the increasing demand. This silk yarn production centre is equipped with advanced machinery like silk reeling machine, re-reeling machine, spinning machine and others.